Attack of the Armada: Miami Travels North

Jacksonville (0W-2D-2L, 2 points) is in search of its first win of the fall slate in its second home game this week at Hodges Stadium.  Sunday’s match is against Miami FC, the second-place club in the fall standings.  The Armada FC will look to recover after a questionable non-call on a handball by Puerto Rico FC in the box during stoppage time Wednesday that resulted in a 2-1 home loss.  Miami (2W-0D-2L, 6 points) has renewed energy after a 1-0 road victory at North Carolina FC on Tuesday night.  Riding two wins over the past week, Miami will try for its third consecutive victory over Jacksonville.  The away side leads the all-time series 3-0-2.  Catch all the action Sunday night at 6 p.m. on CW17 and ESPN3, and radio coverage will be on FM 97.3 and FM 106.9.

1. Armada FC is on a seven-match winless streak.  The lone fall losses are the two to Puerto Rico during a span of 12 days.  Jacksonville needs to put the bad non-call from Wednesday in its rear view.  Other than the last series game, a 4-0 Miami win, every Jax-Miami battle has been decided by one goal.  The Armada has to find an answer in containing the league-best Miami offense.  Miami has a league-best seven goals this fall.  In their last two wins, Jaime Chavez had two assists against Indy Eleven and the game-winning goal over North Carolina.  His super-sub status in the spring has turned into a playmaker’s presence over the team’s last four games.
2. In Wednesday’s 2-1 loss to Puerto Rico, it was the first time the Armada had allowed multiple goals in a home match.  Jacksonville was the last team to do that.  A big reason is defender Mechack Jerome, who leads all NASL players with 99 clearances.  Goalkeeper Caleb Patterson-Sewell can only do so much for this squad as he has been their rock.  Three of the four Armada back-line defenders – Mechack Jerome, Aaron Pitchkolan and Drew Beckie – have been reliable.  The other back spot has been occupied by Kalen Ryden, Devon Fisher and Peabo Doue during the fall.  Does head coach Mark Lowry have confidence in one of them?
3. Can Jacksonville rebound from the least attended Armada home match in franchise history?  Wednesday’s crowd was 780 fans.  Can the Armada avoid back-to-back home losses for the first time since May 2016?  The Blue and Gold landed results in seven of the nine spring matches at Hodges Stadium.  It has been night and day from the Armada of the spring and the team we have seen this fall.  At what point do local fans get their first look at Irish striker Ciaran Kilduff, who was signed on July 30, and has not made it to the states yet due to visa issues.
4. One of the squad’s newest players Tony Taylor has scored in the last two games and has shown top-tier skills at North Carolina and versus Puerto Rico.  Jax and Miami are the two best teams when it comes to conceding goals, with 22 and 18 respectively.  Will Brian Shriver – who subbed in at the 78th minute Wednesday – show his flair he showcased with his old club North Carolina?
5. Miami FC is the most dangerous scoring team in the league.  Their attack leads the NASL with 105 shots on target and 40 goals.  With 11 goals, Stefano Pinho is the league leader.  The south Florida squad locked in a playoff berth with a 36-point spring season, 10 points ahead of San Francisco.  After a slow start to the fall – three straight losses, Miami FC has won back-to-back games and found the rhythm they possessed throughout the first half of the season.

Prediction: Miami FC 3, Jacksonville 1

Three Things: 8/18-8/20

Don’t stand on the sidelines this weekend, get out and have some fun with some assistance from yours truly(s).

Scott:

1. Jumbo Shrimp Silent Movie Night, Monday, 7:05 p.m., Baseball Grounds
   • I know it is not exactly this weekend, but this concept is awesome to me. No PA announcements or recorded sounds, just live music accompaniment. Shrimp are partnering with Norman Studios of Arlington, a silent film studio & museum.
2. JU Football Family Fun Day, Saturday, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., D.B. Milne Field
   • You’re itching for football season, and the Dolphins will be scrimmaging Saturday morning until 10:30, when the focus will shift to the kids as the players and coaches will provide a free youth clinic plus sign autographs.
3. Burger, Beer and Barbecue Fest, Saturday, 4 p.m.-8 p.m., Hemming Park
   • Local fare from Monroe’s, Best Burgers Jax and more, plus beer from Budweiser and Bold City and plenty of activities for the kids. Enjoy the final parts of summer outdoors!

Richard:

1. The Jacksonville Armada host back-to-back home games for the first time in over two months. Sunday night at Hodges Stadium the Armada FC will try to bounce back from a gut-punch 2-1 loss to Puerto Rico FC on Wednesday night. It does not get much easier with Miami FC – the combined standings leader in the NASL – facing Jax for the third time this year. Miami has two wins over the Armada, 1-0 and 4-0. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Sunday at Hodges. Watch live on CW17 and ESPN3. Can Tony Taylor make it three straight matches with a goal?

2. Jacksonville Beach will have the Eastern Surfing Association contest Sunday morning starting at 8 a.m. The Jax Beach Pier is the home venue for the third date on the 2017 schedule. Grab a beach chair, cooler, a bottle of sunscreen and take in some of the best surfing in Florida.

3. College soccer begins locally this weekend with the University of North Florida women’s team hosting Elon on Friday at Hodges Stadium. The two sides have not met on the First Coast since 1996. Game time is 7 p.m. under the lights. North Florida will have a quick turnaround with Charleston Southern in town Sunday for an 11 a.m. start. The Ospreys are coming off a season in which they posted their most wins since 2013. Both games will be streamed on Facebook Live.

Attack of the Armada: Puerto Rico at Hodges Stadium

The Jacksonville Armada (0W-1D-2L, 2 points in fall) look to climb out of the bottom of the NASL fall season table Wednesday night.  Jax hosts Puerto Rico FC (1W-2D-0L, 5 points) for their second meeting in the last three matches.  PRFC will try to become the first team to notch two wins in the fall.  On the other side, Jacksonville has not won a match since defeating FC Edmonton on July 1.  The six-match win-less streak seems to be a cloud hanging over the Armada.  Even with a 2-2 road draw with North Carolina FC, Jax was unable to hold onto an early 2-0 lead.  After back-to-back clean sheets and two shutouts against the Armada this season, PRFC is riding high.  You can tune into Wednesday’s match on WJXT (local Channel 4) and ESPN3.  Radio coverage can be found on FM 97.3 for the English broadcast and FM 106.9 (Spanish call).  Match time is 7 p.m.

1. Saturday’s 2-2 draw in North Carolina for the Armada was nice considering the venue, opponent and result but it was one the Jacksonville organization will look back on as a should-have won.  A third-minute goal from Tony Taylor and another netter by Jack Blake on a penalty kick tells you the Armada dominated the first 20 minutes.  North Carolina, like they do, kept knocking.  Fortunately Jax was able to produce goals, and it was clear Taylor was the Man of the Match with NCFC’s Lance Laing.  Now the next question becomes can Brian Shriver – acquired in a trade with North Carolina – produce goals soon.  If not, how much does that alter the team’s second-half subs of say Charles Eloundou and Derek Gebhard?  Another plus was the last match looked like Zach Steinberger was finding some of his early season form.
2. Puerto Rico has held the Armada scoreless in the last two meetings.  They are one of the more physical squads in the NASL.  In three matches between these clubs, only three goals have been scored.  Both sides will use a 4-2-3-1 formation.  Jacksonville will have defender Peabo Doue, who received two yellow yards in the Aug. 5 match in Puerto Rico, back from his one-game ouster.  In his place, youngster Devon Fisher started his third match for the Blue and Gold Saturday and did a fine job.  In the last two PRFC matches, Fisher came in as a sub and totaled 24 minutes.  Head coach Mark Lowry will have a challenge of going with either Doue or Fisher as one of the four along the backline.
3. Armada FC has not dropped a home match since falling to Miami FC on June 3, which seems like a lifetime ago.  Jacksonville has one win and two draws in the last three at Hodges.  Puerto Rico was able to get a 1-1 draw in the first meeting on the First Coast on July 12.  In front of 2,153 fans, the Armada scored an own goal from Drew Beckie and thankfully had Derek Gebhard secure a point with one of his own in the 92nd minute.  The 21-year-old, who made the NASL Team of the Month for July, has been a substitute for the last two matches.  Don’t be shocked if he starts so Tony Taylor can get a little rest ahead of Sunday’s tough one with Miami.  In the last home match Gebhard took three shots.  Or does Lowry trot out Taylor, a Jacksonville native, for the full 90 Wednesday and Sunday.
4. The University of North Florida men’s and women’s soccer teams have resumed practice at Hodges Stadium with school back in session.  The Armada have not played at home since Sunday, July 30.  The field won’t be as saturated as it was for that duel with the San Francisco Deltas where the near-side became worn and slippery in the second half.  After Tony Taylor clicked in the last match, you better believe Section 904 and the home faithful will be rowdy and ready for goals.  But it sets up for another defensive battle, so look for Puerto Rico’s Jordi Quintilla and Giuseppe Gentile to jump start the offensive attack because it only takes one to fly home with at least a point.
5. The Armada will have a short break after Wednesday’s match before hosting Miami FC (1W-1D-3L, 3 points in fall) on Sunday.  The second of back-to-back home games will kick off at 6 p.m.  The southern foe leads the NASL combined standings with 39 points – eight ahead of second-place San Francisco.  After dropping the first three to start the fall, Miami had an impressive 3-1 victory over FC Edmonton on Saturday and a nil-nil draw Tuesday with North Carolina FC.  Jacksonville fell in the two spring matches versus Miami while being outscored 5-0.

Prediction: Jacksonville 1, Puerto Rico 0

Armada Analysis: First Loss to PRFC

Jacksonville never seemed to find much of a rhythm until it was too late, and a 43rd-minute goal from Puerto Rico’s Conor Doyle was enough to hand the Armada its first loss in franchise history to PRFC, 1-0. In the first 24 minutes Puerto Rico held 56 percent of possession. The Armada finally mustered its first shot of the match almost into first-half stoppage time when Jack Blake was in the box for a near equalizer. PRFC notched its second win of the season with the first coming versus FC Edmonton (3-0) on June 10 at Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel.

For whatever reason, the Armada have played a dull brand of soccer when facing Puerto Rico. The first real threat for the visiting squad was Kevan George trying to find JC Banks in the opponent’s box in the 27th.  Going in, even on the road, a draw would have been desirable at the least. The growing pains with Tony Taylor, Brian Shriver and Peabo Doue in the starting lineup showed. However, some kind of future Zach Steinberger-Taylor connection has potential to propel this side to a few surprising wins.

Both sides came out of halftime with much more spark especially for the Armada FC. Head coach Mark Lowry inserted Charles Eloundou in for Jack Blake for the last 30 minutes. Nearly ten minutes later, Derek Gebhard came in for Taylor. Eloundou was the clear spark plug, who sent a dipping beauty for the net that was one-handed and sent high by PRFC keeper Trevor Spangenberg. Another Eloundou push two attacks later had a ball wide and low. Jacksonville had its best run of attacks following the two subs of Eloundou and Gebhard, but Puerto Rico was too physical and methodical with its 1-0 lead for the entire second half.

1. Man of the Match again is goalkeeper Caleb Patterson-Sewell who kept an opponent at bay during an early 15-minute stretch. Color commentator Eddie Rodriguez called Patterson-Sewell the team’s Superman for the back 30 yards.  Jacksonville trailed 10 shots to two after the end of the first half. If CPS isn’t back there, it is 2-nil pretty quickly. With the Armada playing a man down, Mechack hit a rocket that got crossbar and post with a few minutes left to play. Jerome had the opportunity on a set piece following a foul just outside the box when Derek Gebhard was pulled down.
2. Armada is now riding a five-match winless streak. Three new starters, yes, but a lackluster brand of soccer has been the pattern for Jax in its three matches with the Caribbean side. Moments into the second half, PRFC’s Hector Ramos was dealt a yellow card for moving the ball up a few feet on a free kick. Sadly, it was one of the more entertaining moments of the first 50 minutes.
3. Newly-acquired players Tony Taylor and Brian Shriver both received their first starts for the Armada. Shriver, who celebrated his 30th birthday Saturday, was a sub last week for Jacksonville.  Taylor, who helped lead the Jacksonville University Dolphins to a conference title in 2008, saw his first playing time in Armada blue. The 28-year-old Taylor took the first half of the opening 45 minutes to find his rhythm. It may take him another two to three matches to find his scoring groove. Defender Peabo Doue also got his first NASL start. He deflected a Puerto Rico shot in the 31st minute that would have most likely made it 1-0 PRFC. In a series that embodied Jacksonville’s night, Doue was sent off with a straight red card for an extended arm that had his hand go into the face of Giuseppe Gentile. He will miss the Armada’s next match at North Carolina. Doue was below average in his team debut.
4. Eddie Rodriguez provided color commentary for the Armada on Saturday. The former Jacksonville Cyclones player had previously called high school soccer for the Bright House Sports Network. Rodriguez deserves to be in the CW/WJXT rotation with Cole Pepper. To give some excitement to such uninspired Armada play takes determination.
5. Kevan George went down holding his left leg after a collision close to the 40th minute. He was on the sideline momentarily before returning for Jacksonville. Jack Blake provided the most entertainment in the first 10 minutes of the second half as he shouted at a fallen Jordi Quintilla, who Blake had thought took a dive (looked like he indeed did). PRFC compiled more than a few acting jobs on the night.

Attack of the Armada: Travel to PRFC

Jacksonville Armada FC (0W-1D-0L) travels to Puerto Rico FC for the third meeting this season and the team’s first road match of the NASL fall season.  Both clubs have finished with draws in the last two matchups.  Jacksonville comes off a 1-1 home draw Sunday with the San Francisco Deltas.  Puerto Rico (0W-1D-0L) opened the fall campaign with a draw by the same score at North Carolina FC.

Jacksonville looks for its first road win since a June 10 victory at Indy Eleven.  And the Armada has never lost to Puerto Rico.  Meanwhile, PRFC has lost four of its last six home matches at Estadio Juan Ramon Loubriel.  Saturday’s match kicks off at 7:30 p.m.

1. In the two other matches against Puerto Rico during the spring season, both ended in draws with just two goals scored.  Additionally, the two matches were played over a span of five days.  The July 8 match in Puerto Rico may go down as the dullest, least inspired matches by either side in Armada history.  The 1-1 draw July 12 had Jacksonville snag one point as Derek Gebhard found the back of the net in stoppage time.  Both sides ran 4-3-2-1 formations in the first two go-arounds.
2. The Armada placed two players on the NASL Team of the Week, announced by the league Wednesday.  Goalkeeper Caleb Patterson-Sewell and defender Mechack Jerome were one of three teams represented by two or more players this week on the All XI.  Much of the 3:27 of highlights from July 30 has Patterson-Sewell, who was Jax’s Man of the Match, making plays and yelling out commands to his back four.  Jerome leads the NASL with 80 clearances this season.
3. Jacksonville will host Puerto Rico for its next match at Hodges Stadium on Wednesday, Aug. 16.  Remember that Armada matches can be viewed on Channel 4 locally (WJXT) and hear the action on Planet FM 97.3 and Rumba FM 106.9.  Live Twitter updates can be found @ArmadaFCgameday and #PRFCvJax.

#ThursdayThoughts from two of the newest forwards, as well as Drew Beckie and Mark Lowry ahead of facing @PRFootballClub on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/Ub25Vn3Gkd

— Jacksonville Armada FC (@JaxArmadaFC) August 3, 2017

4. Forwards Brian Shriver and Tony Taylor are looking for their first action in an Armada kit.  Ciaran Kilduff will not be available for Saturday’s match.  Shriver was a substitute for Charles Eloundou in the 66th minute versus San Fran.

5. Jacksonville has scored nine goals between the 16th and 30th minute of matches this season.  That’s the most for any NASL squad.  The Armada has allowed the second-fewest goals (17), behind only Miami FC.  Worth noting that Puerto Rico FC has given up 29 goals – the most in the league.

Manze & Miller on Sports: 6-22-17

Scott Manze and Richard Miller sat down with Jacksonville University head soccer coach Mauricio Ruiz this week. Ruiz, who also serves as the television analyst for Armada FC games, spoke about the soccer club, how they are handling year three amidst the team and league shakeups.

He also had the chance to speak about his recent opportunity to shadow the Orlando City FC coaching staff for a few days, and the advantages that partnerships between professional and college teams in soccer provide.

Lastly, with the Gold Cup coming up, Ruiz comments on Bruce Arena’s roster decisions leading up to the tournament.

The podcast is also available on iTunes. Subscribe!

Three Things: 6/23-6/25

It is officially summer (according to the calendar at least) and what better way to ring in the new season than with some fun things to this weekend! Scott Manze and Richard Miller provide their top three things for the upcoming break from the work week.

Richard:

1. The College World Series continues Friday and Saturday. You might as well take a half day Friday or make sure you have the Watch ESPN app ready for Oregon State and LSU at 3 p.m. The Florida Gators will play at 8, so you have time for dinner with the family. The CWS Finals begins Monday night at 7 on ESPN.
2. Kona celebrates its 40th anniversary this week as “the oldest surviving skatepark.” Festivities began Thursday and continue through Sunday. Live bands, skate competitions and vendors will be on hand. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see local and national talent. Skateboarding legends Tony Alva, Steve Olson, Dave Duncan and others will be competing or in attendance. For ticket prices and schedule of events, go here.
3. The Jacksonville Sharks were dealt their lone loss of the season last Saturday. The Monterrey Steel (7-4) took down the Sharks 44-37. It’s a rematch in the first round of the NAL playoffs at the Veterans Memorial Arena on Saturday at 7 p.m. The 11-1 Sharks replaced their defensive coordinator this week and added receiver Joe Hills to the roster. Hills, an All-Arena pass catcher, led the AFL last year with 161 receptions, 2,020 yards and 58 touchdowns while playing for Jacksonville. The winner of Saturday’s 7 o’clock matchup will face either Columbus or Lehigh Valley in the NAL Championship.

Scott:

1. Jacksonville Armada FC vs. Puerto Rico FC, Sunday, 6 p.m., Hodges Stadium
   • Armada return home after a difficult road match, but have a golden opportunity to get right vs. lowly PRFC. It is also Puerto Rican Heritage Night, and Jaguars rookies will be out there as well.
2. Isolated Incident Bottle Release, Wicked Barley Brewing Company, Saturday, 11a-5p
   • Inspired by the time the brewers spent hunkered down during Hurrican Matthew last fall, WB celebrates its first bottle release this weekend, with live music and a cookout. $15 a pop for this 10% ABV Imperial Stout, no limit, bring cash.
3. Get outside
   • Summer is officially here, as are the temps, but after the last few weeks, extended rain is not expected everyday. So before the precipitation returns next week, go to the pool, the beach, take a bike ride, a hike, try out kayaking or surfing, or just go for a run or a walk. Take advantage of the weather and BE ACTIVE!

Three Things: 6/8-6/11

After a week hiatus, Richard and Scott are back with their weekend suggestions on the First Coast. Check it out.

Scott:

1. Revival 5 Fighting Tournament, Saturday, June 10, noon-midnight, GLHF Game Bar
   • You’ve always bragged that you were the best Street Fighter or Marvel vs. CAPCOM player, now is your chance to prove it. Money on the line, food and drink specials and more at The Landing this Saturday.
2. US Soccer, all weekend, various times/networks
   • Two chances to cheer on each of the national teams this weekend. USWNT faces Sweden at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday (ESPN2) and Norway on Sunday at 1 p.m. (FOX), and the USMNT hosts Trinidad & Tobago at 7:50 p.m. on Thursday (FS1) and Mexico on Sunday at 8:30 p.m. (FS1). So big matchups for both squads and an excuse to bust out the stars and stripes paraphernalia again.
3. Brix Flashback to the 90s Party, Friday, June 9, 9 p.m., Brix Taphouse
   • I’m a 90s kid (was alive for all but six months in the decade) and find that my appreciation for the decade grows everyday. Now a chance to join in with others that love the 90s just as much, with music and prizes for the best attire.

Richard

1. The Jacksonville Sharks are two wins away from a perfect 12-0 regular season. High Country enters the Shark Tank Saturday night for a 7 p.m. kickoff. The Sharks took down the Grizzlies (3-6) in Week Four 68-21. In the midst of a three-game losing streak, High Country tries for its second road win. Look for Sharks fullback Derrick Ross to carry the rock and his team. Named as the National Arena League’s Offensive Player of the Week on Wednesday, Ross leads the league in rushing (421 yards) and touchdowns (23). Saturday’s game will be available on 97.3 FM and YouTube Live.
2. Can the NBA Finals go six or seven games? We hope it can have more of the flare and excitement that the first two chapters provided. Game Four is Friday night at 9 p.m. so have another cup of coffee to end the workweek. Game Five (if necessary) will be at the same time on ABC Monday.
3. The Jacksonville Cannons look to continue to play their best against every AUDL team not named the Raleigh Flyers. The Cannons, who play home games at the Bolles School, host the Atlanta Hustle on Saturday at 7 p.m. Get amped by watching all the viral videos and SportsCenter highlights from the AUDL! The 6-3 Cannons, who have been a top-10 team all season, are in a strong place to return to the playoffs like they did to end 2015.

Three Things: 4/27-4/30

While the NFL Draft will dominate most local football fans consciousness this weekend, there is still plenty of things to do outside of listen to Rich Eisen, Mike Mayock and Mel Kiper Jr.’s hair bloviate over offensive guards from Eastern Michigan for three straight days. Scott Manze and Richard Miller are here to help.

Scott:

1. Jacksonville Armada FC vs. Indy Eleven, Saturday at 7 p.m., UNF’s Hodges Stadium
   • The Armada are coming off of two draws, which keeps them atop the table at 2-0-2. Indy has lost every match so far this year, so this is a golden opportunity for the Boys in Blue to pick up another three points.
2. Eradicator Can Release Party, Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wicked Barley Brewing Company
   • The limited release Double IPA will be available to purchase in six packs, but will also be on tap. There will also be live music and a drawing for a “brew day” at WB. Sounds like a great way to get ready for the Armada match.
3. Dalvin Cook and the Stories Behind the Red Flags, Robert Klemko, The MMQB
   • With the NFL Draft grabbing headlines everywhere, locally a lot of focus has been on former Florida State running back Dalvin Cook and his curious slide down draft boards. Klemko with some great insight as to Cook’s background and the shady process that is the news cycle leading up to the draft.

Richard:

1. If you happened to miss that record week at the Baseball Grounds two weeks ago, you get a second opportunity from Thursday to Monday to see the Jumbo Shrimp and enjoy one of many shrimp menu items.  Jacksonville hosts the Mobile BayBears, and find out when you can go to the Baseball Grounds to help make history for the 2017 season.
2. Like the Jumbo Shrimp, the Jacksonville Sharks return home.  The Sharks (5-0) will host the Columbus Lions (3-2) Saturday night at the Veterans Memorial Arena.  It’s a rematch from Week 1, but this time the Sharks two quarterbacks are questionable for Saturday’s 7 p.m. kickoff.  Starter Tommy Grady went down with a leg injury in the second half Monday.  Backup Tyron Lewis had to go to the hospital after getting a gash on his arm.  The game will also air on YouTube Live and locally on CW17.
3. For the Jax Cannons second straight home game we have another fun, evenly-matched AUDL South Division battle.  It’s the Cannons’ lone Sunday home game, as the Austin Sol and Cannons (3-1) will play at Stanton High at 1 p.m.  Jacksonville lost a thrilling 26-24 overtime matchup to Austin (0-3) in late June last year.  Don’t let the Sol’s winless mark fool you.  I spoke to Cannons head coach Tuba Benson and last week’s Player of the Game Chris LaRocque on Tuesday.

Three Things: 4/13-4/16

Easter weekend sees plenty more to do on the First Coast, sports-wise and otherwise. As always, Richard Miller and Scott Manze take a few moments out of their “Manze & Miller on Sports” podcast to highlight the best offerings.

Richard:

1. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp continue first homestand of the year vs. Chattanooga, Thursday-Sunday, Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville
   • The Jumbo Shrimp debuted in 2017 in front of 10,477 fans Wednesday night, and continue the festivities with Thirsty Thursday, Friday Family Fireworks, Rally Towel giveaway on Saturday and Family FUNday on Sunday
2. Jacksonville Armada FC host San Francisco Deltas, UNF’s Hodges Stadium, 7 p.m. Saturday
   • The Armada return home after picking up three points on the road last week and are 2-0 for the first time in franchise history. They’ll face NASL newcomer SF Deltas.
3. Jacksonville Cannons host Raleigh Flyers, The Bolles School, 7 p.m. Saturday
   • Perhaps the biggest rivalry in the AUDL is renewed this Saturday night, and the Cannons, after an early bye week, look to improve to 2-0.

Scott:

1. Armada home match Saturday
   • Richard & I couldn’t decide who should say this one, so we both did. You can read about my poll on how fans are feeling about the start here.
2. Easter Brunch, Various locations, Sunday
   • Doesn’t matter where you eat it, what you eat, or if you even celebrate Easter. One of the biggest brunch-ing days of the year is to be celebrated regardless. Jax Mom’s Blog always has a good list of restaurants participating. 
3. Orlando Magic make front office changes, dominate the news
   • Despite the recent on-court doldrums, the Magic have been popular amongst the blogosphere over the last few seasons. The latest from The Ringer is a mock acceptance speech for 2018 Executive of the Year by since-fired GM Rob Hennigan and how the Magic have found the terrible mix of bad and boring.

Bonus:

1. Jacksonville and North Florida home baseball series, Thursday-Saturday
   • JU hosts Lipscomb for a three-game set starting Thursday at 7 p.m. (ESPN3), Friday also at 7 p.m. (ESPN3) and then Saturday at noon (mixlr.com/judolphins) at Sessions Stadium
   • UNF hosts NJIT Thursday at 6 p.m., Friday at 4 p.m. and Saturday at noon. All can be heard on 1010 AM/Asun.tv.

Check out today’s full show, which on top of Three Things, reminisced about Josh Scobee, speculated on the next Jag to retire, previewed this weekend’s ASUN baseball series and discussed the Orlando Magic holding pattern.